Flat diapers *are* your grandma’s cloth diaper. They are the most basic form of cloth diapering there is and are most likely what your mother used to diaper you (or your grandma used to diaper her). Flat diapers (or flats, as they are more commonly referred to) are simple squares of cloth, generally constructed of a fabric called birdseye but often are made of other materials such as hemp, bamboo or organic cotton.

The flats you want to use for serious cloth diapering should measure at least 27″ x 27″ before washing. Generally speaking, the flat diapers you can pick up at any big box store such as Target or Wal-Mart would be better used as burp rags or even doublers. My personal recommendation are these flat diapers from Little Lions — the weave is nice and tight and they measure 32″ x 32″ before washing, which will give you ample room to alter your fold from newborn to toddler. You could also use these OsoCozy Unbleached Birdseye Flat Diapers (dozen) as well as any other good-quality brand.

Why would you want to use such a basic diaper?

Flat diapers have many advantages!

• Inexpensive. Flats are usually just over $1 a diaper.
• Super quick drying time. Flats dry really fast because they are just a single layer of cloth. They are ideal for drying outside too — on a warm sunny day it takes a matter of minutes for them to dry!
• Custom layers. You can, with a variety of folds, customize the layers of absorption — right where your baby needs it.
• Trim fit. Flats are super trim.
• Options. You can either fold and place in a cover, or use pins or a Snappi. You can also try out a variety of folds for a custom fit.
• Grows with your baby. As your little one grows you have a huge variety of different folds to try out or you can make y0ur fold longer or wider. It truly is the original one-size diaper.
• Easy to hand wash. Flats are the ideal diaper for camping or vacation.
• Can be easily dyed. If you love the idea of flats but wish for color, they are easy to dye using a fiber-reactive dye such as Dylon. Tie dye is also an option for even more fun!

Are there any cons to using flats?

There are a few! Of course, these may or may not be a con for you.

• You have to know how to fold them. Here are a few folds — we personally favor the kite fold.
• You have to use a waterproof cover (Willow, pictured above, is featured coverless, but you would not want to put on a pair of baby pants and hit the mall like this — it would be quite the wet mess).
• If you prefold them before storing, you have to keep them away from your baby, who might fling them all over her bedroom (not that I know from experience or anything!).

We use mostly flats and I love it. I find the simplicity appealing and find comfort in folding a laundry basket full of still warm diapers. I love the trim fit and I love the quick drying time. It’s worth trying a few out if you can get ahold of them.

Posted on July 30th, 2010 by monica
Filed under: Cloth Diapers, The Cloth Diaper Dish